This presentation provides a brief overview of Girls in the Game programs, sample assessment tools from our best practices manual; and some of our best practices for leading the program and recruiting participants.

1. Program Quality Standards: Components of a “Healthy” Youth Development Program Achieving Quality Inputs Presenters Amy Skeen Monique Turner Kristi Skala

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4. Sports. Health. Leadership. Life.

5. Mission Girls in the Game provides and promotes sports & fitness opportunities, nutrition & health education, and leadership development to enhance the overall health and well-being of all girls. Since 1995, has emerged as a leading girls' health and fitness organization in Chicago. Every year, Girls in the Game empowers more than 3,000 girls to make healthier choices and develop the confidence and leadership skills they need to succeed on and off the field. From yoga and lacrosse to soccer and dance, Girls in the Game, exposes girls to a wide and energizing mix of sports and fitness activities year round. Our Programs: Girls’ Advisory Board After School Summer Camp Varsity Squad Game Days Leadership Development Parent and Family Initiatives Spring Training Girls are encouraged to get in the game —any game—so they can learn teamwork and determination, and to make choices that lead to a happier, healthier life.

6. About the Girls Girls in the Game welcomes girls from diverse backgrounds and abilities, ages 6-18. Participants live in a cross-section of neighborhoods on the north, south, and west sides of Chicago, as well as in the suburbs.

13. RECRUIT PARTICIPANTS ACTION PLAN Review the items in the Recruit Participants Assessment sheet. Record each item that received a rank of 1 or 2 in the Action Plan below. This tool can help provide a measurable plan to improve skill or operations, as needed. What needs improvement? What will be done? Who is responsible and what resources are needed? When will this be completed? 1. We have identified a target age group or population that is best served by the program. 2. We have enrollment criteria which determine who can participate and who is placed on a waiting list. 3. Coaches follow a standardized process for recruiting participants. 4. We have a standardized and effective method for collecting completed registrations. 5. We have a standardized and effective process for welcoming participants to the program.

18. LEAD THE PROGRAM ACTION PLAN Review the items in the Lead the Program Assessment sheet. Record each item that received a rank of 1 or 2 in the Action Plan below. This tool can help provide a measurable plan to improve skill or operations, as needed. What needs improvement? What will be done? Who is responsible and what resources are needed? When will this be completed? 6. 7. Our coaches effectively use behavior management strategies before using time outs, breaks or other discipline methods. 8. 9. 13.

23. Amy Skeen, MSW, LCSW, Executive Director , holds her Master ﾕ s Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Amy has fifteen years of experience in nonprofit program operations, specifically working with youth and families. She earned a Type 73 certificate that qualifies her to provide social work services to children with special needs in a school setting. Amy has received numerous awards for her leadership including One of Chicago ﾕ s Top Women Making a Difference for Girls, (Women Employed 2008). Kristi Skala, MS, Training and Evaluation Manager , holds her Masters in School and College Health Programs from Indiana University. Kristi is passionate about health education for youth, especially knowing the impact sports and living a healthy lifestyle had on her growing up. Upon graduating from her Master ﾕ s program she became the Curriculum Developer for the Physical Education Walk Across Illinois School Fitness Program. Monique Turner, Programs Director , holds a Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership/School Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University. Prior to joining Girls in the Game, Monique led programs at the Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Schools. Monique is passionate about coordinating healthy lifestyle programs for girls because girls who are physically active are more likely to be successful in and out of school. About the Presenters